My Quest to Become a Badass Snowshoe Racer: The Decision

Part 1: The Decision (written on December 13):

So yesterday I did something I never thought I'd do: I registered for a snowshoe race. I've been in a bad head-space recently - depression, lack of motivation, avoiding social situations, and getting sedentary, fat, unmotivated, and lazy. I knew I was in trouble when I realized that I had maybe three pairs of pants that fit comfortably, that previously I needed a belt for. Something needed to change. I was out in the amazing patch of woods behind the cottage when suddenly I realized that I could do that race. I didn't have to compete against anyone, all I had to do was finish. Coming in last is better than not coming in at all, and miles better than never having tried. It's 3.5 miles, I can walk that, if I need to, for crying out loud. I came home and sent out a message to four of my trail runner friends and asked if I could do this, if I was crazy for even considering it. I got back a unanimous "You can do this!" and one "as to whether you're crazy, you're asking the wrong crowd". I've been hanging with these runners for a couple of years now. They're not just runners, they're trail runners, a different breed altogether than the people you see running down the street. The more time I spent with them, the more crazy I was convinced they were, but it's a good crazy. I kept getting asked when I was going to join them. They were cool with whatever excuse I gave them, they liked me anyway, and still let me hang out with them. So the decision to register for that race somehow didn't seem quite so insane as I once would have thought. And doubt and remorse has yet to set in. I don't think it will. I am getting amazing support from these crazy people in the Trail Monster Running Club, everything from simple encouragement, to excellent advice, to answering questions, to helping me figure out how to train. I originally thought I'd just do the one race, but now the thought that maybe I can do all three seems like a real possibility, as does the idea that maybe, just maybe, I might be joining them on the trails after the snow is gone, too. I keep hearing "just keep it fun" and "just start slow", there's no competitiveness, it's all supportive. Just a bunch of really cool people excited about helping a newbie get involved in something they love. Thank you, Trail Monsters, for everything. You guys are an amazing bunch of people and I wouldn't be at this point if you weren't.